Starting in the 16th Century, canes and walking sticks became extremely popular, first among royalty and nobility, and by the 19th and 20th Centuries having worked their way down to the middle classes as a symbol of status. This example was made by the iconic American luxury jewelry and specialty item retailer, Tiffany & Co., which was originally established in 1837. It has a sleek knob handle made of 18K gold that is engraved with a "CC" monogram on top and marked "TIFFANY & CO. 18 KT." around the bottom. The majority of the knob consists of a hinged lid that, when opened, reveals a small compartment housing an 14K gold retractable pencil that has light scroll engraving, the initials "ECP" and Tiffany & Co. markings and is retained with the cane by a small gold chain. The thick shaft appears to be walnut and is smooth with no contrasting tip or ferrule. Per the consignor this cane is likely from San Francisco during the gold rush period.